The banks index plunged 11.76 percent as all stocks in the sector headed south: Piraeus Bank was the worst off, slumping 15.79 percent, with Eurobank a close second, down 15.48 percent. Attica fell 13.24 percent, National conceded 11.88 percent and Alpha gave up 8.33 percent.

All but two blue chips ended lower, with Viohalco dropping 5.37 percent and Public Power Corporation down 4.83 percent. Sarantis and Piraeus Port Authority bucked the trend, advancing 1.44 percent and 0.20 percent respectively.

In total 27 stocks posted gains, 87 sustained losses and 19 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 75.5 million euros, up from last Friday’s 57 million.

In Nicosia the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange was up 1.20 percent to 73.67 points.